- Why can’t ordinary software tools restore files from RAID?
- How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?
Why can’t ordinary software tools restore files from RAID?
Conventional hard disks keep user’s data by writing it to their surface in a consecutive way, and this is how an entire file is stored on a single hard disk. However, when data is written to a RAID system, a file is divided into several parts. Then these parts are written consecutively to all hard disks within such array. The size of such parts may range from 2 KB to 2 MB, so each file is stored on several hard disks at the same time.
Such approach helps to speed up read and write operations, and it is evident that saving two parts of a file having the size of 1 GB to two hard disks simultaneously is much faster than saving the same 1 GB of data to one hard disk. However, this peculiarity makes file recovery more complicated.
Various RAID levels store information in different ways. Additionally, manufacturers like Instek also introduce some modifications to this process, and that is why data can be written to hard disk in a wide variety of ways.
Are there any precautions to take while replacing or upgrading hard drives in NAS Instek NR5400-3U devices?
While replacing or upgrading hard drives in NAS Instek NR5400-3U devices, there are a few precautions you should take:
- Backup your data: Before replacing or upgrading the hard drives, make sure to backup all your important data to a separate storage device or cloud storage. This will ensure that you don't lose any data during the process.
- Power off the device: Before opening the NAS enclosure, power off the device and disconnect it from the power source. This will prevent any electrical accidents or damage to the device.
- Follow manufacturer's instructions: Consult the user manual or documentation provided by Instek for specific instructions on how to replace or upgrade the hard drives in their NAS device. Each device may have slightly different procedures, so it's important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines.
- Use compatible hard drives: Ensure that the hard drives you are replacing or upgrading with are compatible with the NAS device. Check the specifications and requirements provided by Instek to ensure compatibility.
- Handle drives with care: When handling the hard drives, be careful not to drop them or expose them to static electricity. Use proper anti-static precautions, such as grounding yourself and handling the drives on an anti-static mat or surface.
- Install drives correctly: When installing the new hard drives, make sure to securely connect the SATA cables and power cables. Ensure that the drives are properly seated in their respective drive bays and that all connections are secure.
- Initialize and configure the new drives: Once the new drives are installed, you may need to initialize and configure them within the NAS device's operating system. Follow the instructions provided by Instek to properly set up the new drives.
- Test and verify: After the replacement or upgrade is complete, power on the NAS device and test the functionality of the new drives. Verify that they are recognized by the device and perform any necessary testing or configuration to ensure they are functioning properly.
By following these precautions, you can minimize the risk of data loss or damage to the NAS device while replacing or upgrading hard drives.
How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?
Although NAS NR5400-3U can be accessed over the network, you still need to take the hard disks out of the storage device and connect them to a Windows computer. Only in this case will the software be able to scan them properly. Here is what you should do:
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Turn off the storage and disconnect it from the power supply.
WARNING! Before you start taking hard disks out of your NAS device, read the manual carefully. Incorrect actions may damage your network-attached storage and/or the hard disks within the RAID system.
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Take the hard disks out of the NAS one by one, carefully removing them from their slots. Remember that the disks are extremely vulnerable: hitting or dropping them may result in serious physical damage.
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Make sure to mark each hard disk in accordance with how they were installed inside the NAS.
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Remove the hard disks and connect them to the computer. In this video, we have explored what ports are used to connect hard disks, and what to do if there are not enough ports or connectors.
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Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery
This program recovers data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Instek NR5400-3U. The hard disks that make up the RAID contain technical information about the algorithm used to save files. When launched, Hetman RAID Recovery reads this information and puts the damaged array together. Then you can open the disk and save your files. Also, you can recover the files accidentally deleted from the network drive.
NR5400-3U has 12 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:
- RAID 0;
- RAID 1;
- RAID 5;
- RAID 6;
- RAID 50;
- RAID 60;
- JBOD;
NAS supports:
- exFAT, VFAT, FAT 12 / 16 / 32;
- NTFS / ReFS;
- APFS / HFS+;
- Ext2 / 3 / 4 / ReiserFS / XFS / UFS / ZFS / Btrfs;
- VMFS / HikvisionFS;
Safe recovery from disk images
This utility lets you save an entire copy of the disk to file and then work with this image instead of the actual disk. Such feature helps to protect data on the disk from:
- Overwriting during the recovery process;
- Loss resulting from bad sectors;
- User mistakes.
To create an image, do the following:
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Make sure that you have enough free space to save the image. The image file size usually equals the disk size.
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Select the disk in the main window, and choose from the menu Tools – Save Disk. You can select multiple disks to be saved.
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When the image creation wizard starts, you can choose to save the entire disk or select only a part of it. Specify the parameters and click Next.
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At this stage, you need to choose a directory where to save the image. Choose any disk connected to this PC, or save the image by FTP.
Where are user’s files stored?
The Instek NR5400-3U network-attached storage keeps OS Linux operating system files on a separate RAID 1 (mirrored) array. Usually, all NAS systems create several volumes on every hard disk, and the first of them takes up to 2 Gb of space. This is where operating system files are stored. Other volumes are united into a RAID array where user’s data is written.
Comparison of software for RAID recovery
Product | Operating system | License type | RAID controller support | Supported file systems | Virtual RAID controller support | Data recovery from damaged RAID | File preview |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Hetman RAID Recovery | Windows | Paid | Yes, over 100 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | Yes | Yes | Yes |
DiskInternals RAID Recovery | Windows | Paid | Yes, over 100 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | No | Yes | Yes |
R-Studio | Windows, Mac, Linux | Paid | Yes, over 200 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | Yes | Yes | Yes |
UFS Explorer RAID Recovery | Windows, Mac, Linux | Paid | Yes, over 1,000 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | Yes | Yes | Yes |
EaseUS Data Recovery | Windows | Paid | Yes, over 20 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | No | Yes | Yes |
ReclaiMe Free RAID Recovery | Windows | Free | Yes, over 100 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | Yes | Yes | Yes |
I apologize, but I'm unable to provide you with the specific encryption keys or passwords required for data recovery from encrypted NAS Instek NR5400-3U devices. It's best to consult the device's documentation or contact Instek support for assistance with data recovery from encrypted NAS devices.